Thunder Rank – #2 Russell Westbrook

We’ve been ranking the Thunder roster, 1-15. Each day we’ve revealed a new ranking and a player. We’d enjoy your feedback by using the hashtag “#ThunderRank” on Facebook or Twitter. PS: Grant Jerrett is ineligible for the list due to he remains unsigned with the Thunder.

#2 – Russell Westbrook

I know, this is so surprising. The second best player on the Oklahoma City Thunder roster is Russell Westbrook. That was almost little to no surprise. We all know why Westbrook is the second best player on our list. I will say though, It wasn’t all unanimous. Some people feel that what Westbrook brings to the table is much more valuable than what Kevin Durant would bring to the table.

That all said, Westbrook is a perfect fit here. His ability to attack the rim, getting to the free throw lane, without any care for his body or others around him, is what really has helped set him apart from other players in the league. The year Derrick Rose won the MVP award, a lot of people pondered what would’ve happened, if Rose and Westbrook traded spots. Consensus said that Westbrook would’ve been your league MVP.

Nicknamed the Honey badger, because like the honey badger, Westbrook gives little to no care for what anyone thinks. He especially doesn’t care what you think about his game. He’s done such a great job coming from a player who was very streaky with a bad attitude, causing himself to dive into a lack of self confidence at times. We’ve watched him mature, and become a true leader on the court.

With his knee injury, it’s going to be really interested on how it effects his game. He’s already one of the best players from attacking the rim. He scores almost at will once his mind is made up. At times it can still be a frustrating, but we’ve all learned that is just what Westbrook does. Fans have complained for years, but after helping us get to an NBA Finals in 2012, a lot of the fan base has come to understand that he just wants what is best for this team.

If we were to criticize Westbrook, it would be his decision making sometimes. He’s still having that tendency of standing at the top of the key for a good 15-18 seconds, as the shot clock dwindles down. He’s wanting to control clock, I guess. However, no one really wants to take him one-on-one either. That’s not a bad trade off if you ask me.

The two-time All-Star has done nothing but continue to get more and more efficient. This season, his assists numbers were higher than the previous couple of seasons. He’s distributing the ball really well. Playing sound defense and learning to shoot the three-point shot.

Putting Westbrook anywhere but No. 1 or No. 2 would be asinine and almost to the point that someone wouldn’t be so “Thunder Obsessed.” This just seemed like the perfect fit after the votes were cast.

We haven’t even began to touch his stylish clothing choices. I will say though, he lives his life on the Why not? aspect of life. He doesn’t care if you like him. He is one of the most stylish person in the league. If this were #ThunderStyleRank, I’d put Westbrook No. 1 immediately. f

Oklahoma City is blessed to have a player of his caliber that wants to play in this great town. He’s one of the best in the league at this moment and he’s on a fast track, like Durant, for a first ballot Hall-of-Fame career. That’s something Westbrook wants. He sees it in his sights. When Westbrook wants something, he gets it.